Median cubital vein

In human anatomy, the median cubital vein (or median basilic vein) is a superficial vein of the upper limb.[1] It is very clinically relevant as it is routinely used for venipuncture (taking blood) and as a site for an intravenous cannula . It connects the basilic and cephalic vein and becomes prominent when pressure is applied. It lies in the cubital fossa superficial to the bicipital aponeurosis.

Median cubital vein
Superficial veins of the upper limb. The median cubital vein is labelled (in Latin) - Vena mediana cubiti.
Details
Sourcecephalic vein
Drains tobasilic vein
Identifiers
Latinvena mediana cubiti
TAA12.3.08.019
FMA22963
Anatomical terminology

There exists a fair amount of variation of the median cubital vein. More commonly the vein forms an H-pattern with the cephalic and basilic veins making up the sides. Other forms include an M-pattern, where the vein branches to the cephalic and basilic veins.

Additional images
  • The most frequent variations of the veins of the forearm (schematic).
  • Dissection images
  • Median basilic vein

See also

References
  1. Standring, Susan. Gray's anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice (41 ed.). Elsevier Limited. pp. 837–861. ISBN 978-0-7020-5230-9.


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